09/12/2007 Advisory: USCIS Welcomes 29 New Citizens

[Immigration Office]

USCIS WELCOMES 29 NEW CITIZENS

Ceremony Will Honor and Celebrate American Citizenship

LAWTON, Oklahoma – As part of the International Festival a diverse group of 29 local residents, representing 20 countries will take the

Oath of Allegiance and become United States citizens during a special naturalization ceremony commemorating Citizenship Day and Constitution Week.
During Constitution Week, our Nation reflects on the significance of our Constitution and gives thanks for the liberties this document helps to secure. We honor the men and women who have supported and defended it throughout our history, at times with their lives. On Citizenship Day, we reaffirm our commitment to freedom, to ensuring that our history endures and to instilling in America's next generation the values that make our country great.
The International Festival began in 1979 as an "Ethnic Exposition" and was created out of a desire to promote greater awareness and appreciation of Lawton’s diverse heritage. The Lawton Public Library sponsored the project with assistance from the City of Lawton and community volunteers. In 1982 the event’s name was officially changed to the "International Festival."
The Honorable Shon Irwin, U.S. Magistrate Judge will administer the Oath of Allegiance during a special session of the United States District Court. Jose R. Olivares, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Oklahoma Field Office Director will deliver the welcoming remarks. Tom Paar, USCIS, Chief of staff will address the new citizens.

WHO:

Honorable Shon Irwin, U.S. Magistrate Judge
Tom Paar, USCIS Chief of Staff
Jose R. Olivares, USCIS Oklahoma Field Office Director

WHEN:

Friday, September 21, 2007, at 6 p.m. (media advance 5:30 p.m.)

WHERE:

Lawton Public Library
110 S.W. 4th Street
Lawton, Oklahoma

*NOTE: PHOTO OPP:

Special performance by the Fort Sill 77th U.S. Army Band

Human Interest stories for this ceremony:

1. Leroy Minion, a native of Canada who immigrated to the United States, on September 9, 2000, and is now enlisted in the U.S. Army. Mr. Minion can be reached at 239-293-8427
2. Sara Martinez de Sanchez, a native of Mexico who immigrated to the United States on September 10, 1981, she put herself through nursing school and currently works for the Wilkins Nursing Center. Mrs. Sanchez can be reached at 580-656-5029.

-USCIS-

www.uscis.gov